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Steelers running backs do little in relief of Le'Veon Bell Saturday

by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

Steelers running backs Josh Harris and Ben Tate were able to find little running room in Saturday's 30-17 loss to Baltimore. Harris ran nine times for 25 yards while Tate had five carries for 19 yards.

As a team, Pittsburgh managed just 68 yards on 19 carries in relief of star running back Le'Veon Bell, who missed Saturday's game with a knee injury.

Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was officially ruled out for Saturday's pivotal wild-card game against the Ravens because of a hyperextended right knee.

Bell sustained the injury in the final week of the regular season against Cincinnati and was not able to practice this week leading up to Pittsburgh's first playoff game since 2011. Bell rushed for 1,361 yards this season, second only to DeMarco Murray. He also caught 83 passes for 854 yards. The Steelers are planning to startJosh Harris in his place, per the NFL Network.

Steelers running back Josh Harris would see an increased role -- and might even start -- during Saturday's playoff game against the Ravens, if starting running back Le'Veon Bell is unable to play due to a hyperextended right knee.

"Josh is ready," Bell said, per ESPN. "I’ve been watching him all year and I know what he’s capable of. You got a little glimpse of him (in) the Bengals game. He’s explosive. He knows all of his assignments. He’s not out there thinking any more. He’s just playing football. He’s only going to get better."

If Bell is out, Harris would likely share reps with Dri Archer and perhaps even newly signed running back Ben Tate. However, Harris is ready for whatever role might await him Saturday.

"It’s tough because I just sit at home and say I wish that we could play now," Harris said. "I’m just going to take full advantage of the (preparation) time. I want to be that guy who, when he had his shot he did all he could to help out this team."

The Steelers opened Saturday's wild-card game as 3 1/2-point favorites. As of Thursday, they were 3-point favorites, per VegasInsider.com.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said it's unrealistic to expect a lot from newly-signed running back Ben Tate in Saturday's playoff game against the Ravens.

“I don’t know how you could come in in a couple of days and learn a new offense,” Roethlisberger told ESPN.com. “I think if we can put together a specific package, a few runs here, a few passes there, I think he could help us if we need him to.”

If starter Le'Veon Bell (knee) can't play, rookie running back Josh Harris would start and be spelled by rookie Dri Archer and Tate. Harris, an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest, rushed five times for 7 yards Week 17 but had a 59-yard run called back on a penalty.